This Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is a comforting twist on a classic family favorite. Combining the savory flavor of stuffing mix with juicy ground beef, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. The stuffing adds texture and seasoning, making the meatloaf moist and flavorful, while the addition of onions and a touch of ketchup gives it a sweet and tangy finish.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this meatloaf recipe is simple to prepare and makes a great meal for the whole family. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly option that can be served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete, home-cooked meal.
Full Recipe:
- 1 package (6 oz) Stovetop stuffing mix
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup ketchup (optional)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the Stovetop stuffing mix and water, letting it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the moisture.
- Add the ground beef, egg, chopped onion, and milk to the stuffing mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased loaf pan.
- Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background:
The Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is an inventive twist on the classic meatloaf recipe, incorporating the flavors of stovetop stuffing to enhance the taste and texture. The stuffing mix not only adds seasoning but also helps bind the meat, making the meatloaf more flavorful and moist. This dish is perfect for busy families looking for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Convenience: Using Stovetop stuffing mix means you don’t have to worry about seasoning the meatloaf separately—everything is pre-seasoned, making this recipe foolproof.
- Quick Prep Time: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, it’s a great go-to meal when you’re short on time.
- Flavorful and Moist: The stuffing mix absorbs moisture, which keeps the meatloaf juicy while adding a rich depth of flavor. The inclusion of onions and ketchup offers a sweet and savory balance.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for picky eaters, as the familiar flavors of stuffing and ground beef make it approachable for children and adults alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to add additional ingredients like chopped carrots, celery, or even cheese for an extra twist. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions:
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes: A classic companion to meatloaf, rich and creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the hearty flavors.
- Green beans or steamed broccoli: A simple vegetable side balances the richness of the dish and adds a nutritious element to the meal.
- Cornbread or dinner rolls: For those who love a carb-heavy meal, pairing this meatloaf with soft rolls or cornbread makes for a cozy dinner.
- Gravy: Drizzle over slices of meatloaf for extra flavor or make a simple mushroom gravy to add depth to the meal.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the meatloaf is heated through.
Meal Prep Tips:
This recipe is great for meal prep! You can make the meatloaf mixture ahead of time, shape it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked loaf for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an additional 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information:
The Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is fairly balanced, providing a good source of protein from the ground beef. For those watching their fat intake, consider using a leaner beef or ground turkey to reduce the overall fat content. Additionally, the stuffing mix adds carbohydrates, making this dish filling and satisfying.
Variations:
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a layer of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center of the meatloaf for a cheesy surprise.
- BBQ Meatloaf: Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet finish.
- Vegetable-Packed Meatloaf: Add grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a nutritious boost that even picky eaters will enjoy.
History of Meatloaf:
Meatloaf has long been a staple in home kitchens across the world, with origins dating back to ancient Roman times, where chopped meat and bread were combined to create a satisfying meal. It gained widespread popularity in the United States during the Great Depression due to its affordability and ability to stretch a small amount of meat to feed a family. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with home cooks adding various ingredients like breadcrumbs, oatmeal, and now stuffing mixes, to add flavor and texture.
Why Stovetop Stuffing Mix?:
The use of Stovetop stuffing mix in meatloaf brings a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional recipe. The seasoned breadcrumbs in the stuffing mix absorb moisture from the meat and other ingredients, helping to keep the meatloaf moist and tender. Additionally, the pre-mixed seasonings in the stuffing provide a rich blend of herbs and spices, eliminating the need for extra seasoning, and making the recipe both convenient and delicious.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
- Sodium: Around 700-800 mg (depending on the stuffing mix and added ingredients)
Customization Options:
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your personal taste or dietary needs. Here are a few creative ideas:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or make your own blend with gluten-free bread crumbs and herbs.
- Low-Carb: For a low-carb alternative, replace the stuffing mix with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. This will significantly reduce the carb content while keeping the meatloaf flavorful and moist.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re looking to make the recipe dairy-free, simply omit the milk or use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute and use a vegetable-based stuffing mix for a delicious vegetarian version.
Flavor Enhancements:
If you want to elevate the flavor of your Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf, consider adding some of these optional ingredients:
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adding a tablespoon or two can deepen the flavor with its savory and slightly tangy notes.
- Grated Cheese: Mixing in some grated cheddar or parmesan cheese gives the meatloaf a creamy richness.
- Bacon Topping: Place strips of bacon over the top of the meatloaf before baking for an extra savory and crispy topping.
- Garlic: Minced garlic or garlic powder adds a bold flavor that pairs well with the stuffing’s herbs.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Adding sautéed mushrooms to the mixture enhances the umami flavor and adds a slight earthiness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
While the meatloaf is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a balanced and visually appealing meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the meatloaf’s hearty, meaty flavor. Consider adding roasted garlic or cream cheese to your mashed potatoes for an elevated taste.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes provides a naturally sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory meatloaf.
- Gravy: For added richness, serve the meatloaf with a homemade brown gravy or a mushroom sauce.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart and sweet cranberry sauce adds a seasonal, holiday-like flavor to the dish, making it a festive option for family dinners or gatherings.
Meal Prep and Leftovers:
This recipe is great for leftovers and meal prep because it reheats well and can be used in a variety of creative ways:
- Meatloaf Sandwiches: Slice leftover meatloaf and serve it between two slices of toasted bread with a little mustard, mayo, and cheese for a hearty sandwich.
- Meatloaf Tacos: Crumble leftover meatloaf and use it as a filling for tacos. Add lettuce, salsa, and cheese for a fun twist on taco night.
- Freeze for Later: The cooked meatloaf can be sliced and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick and easy meal on busy days.
Special Occasions:
While this recipe is perfect for everyday meals, it also works well for special occasions, including:
- Holiday Dinners: The stuffing mix gives the dish a festive feel, making it an excellent choice for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pair it with traditional sides like cranberry sauce, roasted turkey, or green bean casserole for a complete holiday feast.
- Potluck Parties: This dish is easy to transport and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for potluck parties or family gatherings.
Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf in a Pressure Cooker:
For an even quicker version of this recipe, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot:
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture as usual and form it into a loaf.
- Place it in a pressure cooker-safe pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker and set the trivet inside.
- Lower the pan into the pressure cooker, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Once done, release the pressure and carefully remove the meatloaf. Optional: You can place the cooked meatloaf under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the top.
Fun Fact:
Meatloaf has become a beloved dish in many countries, but its ingredients and preparation methods vary widely. In Italy, for example, meatloaf (known as Polpettone) often includes hard-boiled eggs in the center, while in Germany, the dish may be wrapped in bacon or made with a blend of pork and beef.
Conclusion:
The Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf is a modern take on a traditional favorite, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. Its blend of familiar ingredients and ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is practically foolproof and guaranteed to become a household favorite. You can feel confident serving it to family, friends, or even at your next gathering.